NCD980602163_19961209_Warren County PCB Landfill_SERB C_Memo from Bill Meyer to Linda Rimer and Henry Lancaster-OCR

MEMORANDUM
TO: Linda Rimer
Henry Lancaster
FROM: Bill Meyer
SUBJECT: PCB Landfill
December 9, 1996
During the weeks ofNovember 11-15 & 18-22 and December 2-6, a reporter, Mark Benjamin,
with the Washington Publication Inside Superfund, has called Mike, Pat and myself concerning
the Warren County PCB Landfill. Mr. Benjamin, off the record--his choice, provided information
that Joel Hirschhorn is apparently disseminating all the information, reports, and correspondence
generated on the PCB Project to select national networks of sympathetic organizations. Mr.
Benjamin intends to include articles/reports on the PCB Project based on Hirschhorn's reports
and the State's response in future issues oflnside Superfund.
It is my perspective that national focus on the PCB Project has been initiated and will gain
momentum with Mr. Hirschhorn's active support. This effort is consistent with Mr. Hirschhorn's
performance and shift in strategy to confrontation and antagonistic relationships with the State
and EPA. It is my perspective that the shift in strategy is based on Mr. Hirschhorn's knowledge
and experience that typical risk and cost beneficial remedy considerations would result in a safe
landfill (remove water, repair and monitor) rather than detoxification. It is also my opinion that
Mr. Hirschhorn is aware that detoxification will not be based on technical merit. Detoxification,
as currently proposed by the Working Group will cost $20 to $30 million . In order to obtain this
level of funding, political, social and moral considerations will be required, and must prevail. Mr.
Hirschhorn is very aware of this and very astute at persuing this strategy. I am also convinced
that this strategy will effectively eliminate Environmental Justice as a consideration for funding.
The network that Mr. Hirschhorn has in place is a grass roots environmental network and not
closely associated with E.J.
The Division needs guidance on how to proceed under the situation(s) that exist on the PCB
Project. This guidance needs to come from the most appropriate level of government in order for
short term and strategic policies to be developed and implemented in a timely manner.